Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake

Caramel Apple Upside-Down Cake is a deliciously comforting dessert that brings together the sweetness of apples, the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the rich, gooey caramel. The cake is soft, fluffy, and topped with a perfect layer of caramelized apples, making it an ideal treat for fall gatherings.

INGREDIENTS

• Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup (for the topping)
• Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (packed, for the caramel topping)
• Ground cinnamon: 1/4 tsp (for the caramel topping)
• Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp (for the caramel topping)
• Apples: 2-3 medium, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (for the topping)
• All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (for the cake batter)
• Baking powder: 1 1/2 tsp (for leavening the cake)
• Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (for the cake batter)
• Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (packed, for the cake batter)
• Eggs: 2 large (for the cake batter)
• Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (for flavoring the batter)
• Whole milk: 1/3 cup (for the cake batter)
• Apple: 1 medium, peeled and diced (optional, for added apple flavor in the cake batter)

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prepare for baking.

Step 2:

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg, then pour the caramel mixture into the prepared cake pan.

Step 3:

Arrange the thinly sliced apples over the caramel layer, ensuring even coverage. Refrigerate until you're ready to assemble the cake.

Step 4:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg to combine the dry ingredients.

Step 5:

Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and milk, mixing well to incorporate all ingredients.

Step 6:

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. If desired, fold in diced apples for extra texture and flavor.

Step 7:

Pour the batter over the apples and caramel, spreading it evenly in the pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8:

Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes, then carefully flip it onto a serving plate. Serve warm with whipped cream and extra caramel sauce.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve the cake warm for the best experience, with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Helpful Notes

• For an added twist, try using a mix of apples (e.g., Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for different textures and flavors.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• You can substitute the apples with pears for a slightly different flavor profile.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Use freshly grated cinnamon for a more intense flavor in your caramel topping.
• Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramelized apples for a sweet-and-salty contrast.

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